-on-Solway Town Council Minutes of a meeting held on Monday 12 January 2015 at 7.00pm at Silloth Community Hall

Present Cllr. A.J. Markley (AJM) – Chairman

Councillors S. Graham (SG), J. Cook (JC), G. Wilkinson (GW), D. Wallace (DW), W. Jefferson (WJ), J. Baxter (JB). C. Graham (CG), A. Emmerson (AE), & M. Orchard (MO).

Also present: Wendy Jameson – Town Clerk (WEJ), Ken Wannop - Park Manager (KJW), Anna Malina – Community Engagement Officer (AM) and PCSO Pete Nichol.

053 Apologies for Absence Cllrs. J. Lettice & I. Baty.

054 Declaration of Interest Cllr. A.J. Markley – re: Markley Transport, Carrs Coaches, County Council, Vintage Rally etc. Cllrs. Jefferson - re: Bowling Club Cllr. Wallace – re: Bowling Club & Silloth Festivals Ltd. Cllrs. J Cook & C. Graham - STAG Cllr. Wilkinson – re: Silloth Vintage Rally Cllr. Baxter – Silloth Rugby Club

055 Exclusion of Press & Public It was agreed that the public be excluded for items 25, 26, 27 & 28 on the Agenda.

056 Chairman’s Announcements The Chairman gave a brief report. He had visited various care homes and children before Christmas with Santa which was organised by the Rotary club. Also attended various other functions.

057 Minutes RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on the 1 & 15 December 2014 be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

058 Police Report PCSO Pete Nichol attended the meeting and gave a report for November. The up to date report will be forwarded to the Clerk for distribution to the Council. A few youngsters in their cars have been stopped around the town. Things have been quieter than normal. There have been a few drink driving checks but all negative. The speed device was put out but nothing was picked up of any concern.

059 Adjournment of Meeting There had been no prior requests from members of the public to speak at the meeting.

060 Schedule of Correspondence, Notices and Publications RESOLVED that the schedule of correspondence, notices and publications be noted  APK will be coming to the February meeting to discuss the provision of play area.  Letter from Paul Watson at Silloth Bowling Club asking for the Council’s guidance and advice on applying to for permission for 32 solar panels on the playing field side of the club roof. RESOLVED that a letter be WEJ sent notifying Mr Watson that the club would need to apply to Allerdale Borough Council in the usual manner and the Council would them make their comments. Planning permission may be difficult due to the conservation area status. Officers may have a view on it.  Email from B. Holiday raising concerns about a shop on Eden Street. There are proper rules to be adhered to. This is a Highways issue and the Clerk has referred the author of the email to the Highways Department.  Email from Tony Johnstone from Solway Crafters confirming the bookings for 3-6 April and 2-4 May, and assuming it will be OK to invite another attraction to offset the costs. Reply sent requesting more information to enable the Council to consider the matter further. It is wrong to ‘assume’ they have permission for another attraction and they need to provide information to the Council on what they are proposing which will then be considered.  CALC – re: Government Consultation on Parish Polls. Calc would encourage all councils to submit a response by the end of January deadline. Very small numbers are needed presently to trigger a poll which can be costly to local councils. The document proposes that the number be increased to 60 people. All Cllrs. to comment individually. Cllrs.  Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 2015-2020 consultation which runs from December 15th 2014 to February 6th 2015. Details can be found at www.haveyoursay.org.uk.Every. Every 5 years the AONB do a management plan in co-operation with partners & three hosting authorities – City Council, County Council, Allerdale Borough Council and Defra. This is a working document. There is a debate at the moment about the creation of ponds. The fear is that it could cause more flooding. Natural wants the ponds created. The Marsh committee have accepted to do the ponds but it is important that they don’t block any free running water.  Allerdale Borough Council – Budget Consultation. Closing date for responses is Friday 23 January 2015. £10k is to be given to each of the towns again. All Cllrs. to comment individually. Cllrs.  Allerdale Borough Council – Draft Council Plan 2015-19 Consultation. Consultation runs from 22 December 2014 to 23 January 2015. Cllrs. to All comment individually. Cllrs.  Fly the Flag for the Commonwealth – 9Th March 2015. Copy of first press release – embargoed until 8 February 2015. Details are required of names and titles of the persons raising the flag, reading out the Commonwealth Affirmation and who will be media contact for the event. Clerk to forward the WEJ details.

061 Planning Applications a) The following applications were deferred to full Council:- Ref No: 2/2014/0903 Proposal: Proposed erection of replacement boundary fencing with associated landscaping Location: Hangar 43, Silloth Industrial Estate, The Airfield, Silloth Applicant: Atlas Concrete Ltd Ref No: 2/2014/0905 Proposal: Retention of a concrete batching plant, aggregate storage bays, loading bins and minor extension to an existing building Location: Hangar 43, Silloth Industrial Estate, The Airfield, Silloth Applicant: Atlas Concrete Ltd Concerns were expressed that work had already taken place without permission having been obtained first. The Council would prefer that the application is decided by the Development Panel rather than by the officers. Cllr. Jefferson to contact Allerdale. WJ b) The Town Council have approved the following:- Ref No: 2/2014/0870 Proposal: Erection of porch Location: 8 Alma Terrace, Silloth Applicant: Mr Peter Longcake Ref No: 2/2014/0838 Proposal: Erection of 5 dwellings Location: Land at Silloth Social Club, Waver Street, Silloth Applicant: Mr F Scott, Frank Scott Builders Ltd Ref No: 2/2014/0887 Proposal: Replace garage with new garage twice the size Location: Carabella, Blitterlees, Silloth Applicant: Mr Stephen Stanwix c) Allerdale Borough Council have refused the following:- Ref No: 2/2014/0293 Proposal: Installation of a 500kW wind turbine (67m to blade tip) and its associated infrastructure (crane pad, access track and meter house) Location: Dundraw Farm, Dundraw, Applicant: DJ Harrison d) Allerdale Borough Council have approved the following:- Plan No: 2/2014/0387 Proposal: Reserved matters application for the development of 22 residential units (relating to Outline Application 2/2010/0037) Location: Former Fisons Factory Site, Harvest Industrial Estate, Silloth Applicant: Harvest park Developments Ltd

062 Committee Reports None.

063 Licences None.

064 Reports from Representatives on Outside Bodies RESOLVED that verbal reports received from Representatives on Outside bodies be noted.

065 Allerdale & County Council Reports Allerdale: Verbal report received from Cllr. Jefferson. County Council: Verbal report received from Cllr. Markley.

066 Park Manager’s Report The Park Manager provided a report of work carried out since the last meeting. Jim Bell is to do the drainage work in the Rose Garden but nothing can be done until the ground dries.

067 Community Engagement Officer’s Report Vivian Russell emailed Anna and would like if possible, to get the drainage work done by the end of February. Anna has attended various meetings with Carnival committee, Beer Festival, Town Team etc. Currently completing the application for this year’s Green Flag Award. Can also enter for a Bee’s Needs Award for which the application has to be in by end of June. Also looking at what is needed for the Parks for People evaluation. Airfield Project – school will be doing a drama. A celebratory 40’s evening do will launch the project at the school on 24 April. First Aid training has been arranged for 24 January with 13 people going to attend. Cost £750 for 12 & £50 for each additional person. Word press training is available at Newton Rig at a cost of £75 + vat per day for members and £120 for non members on 3 & 17 February from 10.00 to 4.00pm.

068 Town Clerk’s Report The Town Clerk provided a report on work done since the last meeting.

069 Payment of Accounts RESOLVED that the payments listed in the register report to 12 January 2015 be approved for payment. 070 Application for financial assistance The following applications for funding were received:- i) Silloth Tourism Action Group - To be used to design, produce and distribute a leaflet promoting Silloth. ii) Silloth Tourism Action Group – To be used towards the cost of a) organising two beach marathons 5km & 10km b) block insurance for events in the town c) community membership to Tourism d) update the STAG website & e) Fireworks display. iii) Silloth Music Festivals Ltd – To be used towards the cost of a) rebuild of website & hosting etc, b) design of A4 roll fold flyer & c) print and delivery of flyers. iv) Silloth Carnival - To be used towards the cost of providing the main entertainment at the Carnival v) Silloth Vintage Rally – To be used towards the costs of putting on the Vintage Rally.

The Town Council received funding of £10,000 from Allerdale Borough Council to support events/festivals in Silloth.

RESOLVED that a grant of £2000 be provided to STAG for the production of a leaflet which will promote the whole of Silloth. The Town Council decided not to provide a grant to the Football club, as the application was not within the criteria for which the money was to be allocated. In addition to this, there was an understanding that applications for funding to the Town Council would come from the 'Sports Association' and not from individual sports clubs. The balance of the funding to be allocated to each of the remaining applications at a proportion of 60% of the amount requested in the applications. Grants to be provided as follows:- STAG - £2000, STAG - £3700, Music Festivals Ltd - £1750, Silloth Carnival - £1250, Silloth Vintage Rally - £1300. Total £10,000.

071 Applications for events No applications had been received.

072 Silloth Green HLF have agreed to the allocation of funding for the pruning of the rhododendrons to be used towards the cost of purchasing a tractor and hedge cutter. To be discussed further at the February meeting.

073 Cumbria in Bloom Presentation Anna gave a brief display of the presentation which was used at the Cumbria in Bloom AGM. Anyone promoting the town can use the presentation and video which went down extremely well at the Cumbria in Bloom. Jim Smith has offered to do overhead shots for the events on the Green. Anna to speak to him about it and AM ascertain whether there will be a cost involved.

074 Statue or memorial Barry Hope enquired into the possibility of erecting a statue or memorial to the brave fire fighters who lost their lives in a small aluminium boat some 54 years ago, somewhere in the more public parts of the town. The rose garden and the community garden have been offered as suitable sites, with the project to be funded by the Town Council and public subscription. It was suggested that the Green should be left as a Green and not a memorial. It was questioned what the significance is of 54 years. Grave stones were laid 4 years ago and there is a plaque on the Fire Station. RESOLVED to consider the proposal in the future when there are further deliberations on the Green.

075 Town Council Questionnaires There has been a disappointing response to the Questionnaire with only 32 completed questionnaires returned. Some people had not received a copy of the Buzz and there was no big splash on the front page drawing attention to it. RESOLVED that further questionnaires are to be made available and people to be WEJ encouraged to fill them in. It was suggested that drop in sessions be held. Questionnaire also to be made available online and promoted through Facebook and the website. Closing date to be extended to 28 February.

076 Free Prize Draw All the completed Town Council questionnaires were entered into a Free Prize Draw and the following names were picked. Michelle Hodgson/Adam Marlinkowski - £50, Sian Horsley - £25 & James Graham - £25. Winners to be notified. WEJ

Cllr. Jefferson left the meeting.

RESOLVED THAT in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it was advisable in the public interest that the press and public be temporarily excluded and that were instructed to withdraw.

077 Commumunity Asset Transfer The Community Asset Transfer is going through. Things have been delayed as there are additional areas of land which need to be ratified. The Council would not be willing to take on the road in front of the Station Mews. There is a small piece of land next to the Golf Club which will be transferred to the Town Council. The Town Council wouldn’t get any money in relation to the strip of land at the Fisons estate but it could be used to negotiate community benefits. There is also a piece of land in front of the AONB. Cllr. Markley and the Clerk to meet with representative from the County Council to discuss it further.

078 Sports Clubs The leases with the Sports Clubs need to wait until the Community Asset Transfer has gone though. The Council have not put the rents up this year. The Sports clubs use the Sports Hall and the Council could provide funding to enable them to use the Hall. Could negotiate a deal with the Sports Hall. RESOLVED that the matter be considered further when the Council sets the budget for the coming year.

Cllr. D. Wallace left the meeting.

079 Budget 2015/16 The Clerk had produced some draft figures for consideration by the Council. RESOLVED that a separate meeting be held to look at the Budget. Meeting to be held on Mon 26 January at 7.00pm.

080 Amounts owing to the Town Council Bills have recently been sent to Fletchers Amusements and the Sports Clubs which are currently outstanding. £500 has been received from Solway Fitness Centre as part payment with balance to be paid in due course.

Signed………………………………………...... ….. Date...... …………………………………